Ohio collective bargaining bill important

WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- Political pundits say an Ohio collective bargaining bill could have an impact on the 2012 presidential elections.

Ohio Republicans want to pass a bill that would curb some collective bargaining rights for public employees quickly to prevent labor groups from having time to organize opposition, The Hill reported.

Labor groups are planning a repeal referendum against the bill and they have said they would rather vote on such a repeal in 2012 because more Democrats will be mobilized for the presidential election.

"It would make it a lot easier for us to win that referendum in 2012, there's no doubt, and Republicans know that," said one labor strategist in the state.

One potential beneficiary of a 2012 referendum is Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. He has regularly voiced support for state workers in recent weeks and he has been sending staffers to labor rallies in Ohio.

I've got to think it hurts them (Republicans) politically whether it's in 2011 or 2012," Sherrod said in the report.

Brookings Institution senior fellow Bill Galston has said Ohio is key to the president's reelection prospects in 2012. Obama narrowly defeated Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. in Ohio in 2008. Galston said Obama wouldn't be reelected if he loses Ohio in 2012.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.